Driver licence renewal is now easier for senior motorists, thanks to improvements NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has made to the renewal application process and reminders.
As from last month, senior drivers won’t need to fill in their personal information such as name, address, gender and organ status on the driver licence renewal form if that information hasn’t changed.
Instead, driver licensing agent counter staff will simply ask whether any of the details have changed. This updated process will also be clearly explained in the renewal reminders sent to seniors by NZTA.
In the past, all senior drivers were required to complete the full driver licence renewal form, even when much of the information was already held.
Improvements have also been made to driver licence renewal reminders, making the process clearer and more accessible.
Because seniors need to book a medical appointment to gain a medical certificate for licence renewal, the process can now be started as early as six months prior to renewal deadline.
NZTA will send senior drivers a renewal reminder letter six months before their licence expiry date. This will be in addition to a renewal reminder sent two months before the due date.
Extra information as to what to expect at their doctor’s appointment has also been added.
Renewing for seniors:
Senior drivers need to renew their driver licence at age 75, 80 and every 2 years after that. All information about how to renew is available on the NZTA website:
NZTA also offers a range of resources for senior drivers renewing their licence as well as Staying Safe courses run through Age Concern.
